I believe that music education is an essential ingredient in any example of a well rounded education. From early childhood through high school graduation, a child should be given the opportunity to learn through music, whether it be singing with his classmates in elementary school, or performing in his high school jazz band. Music is not just a creative outlet for expression, but provides a student with skills that they will use throughout their lives, skills that they wouldn't receive in the general classroom environment or in any other art form. It is the job of music educators everywhere to foster an appreciation of music in children that will carry them through their formal education and extend into the lives they live outside of school.